Thanks so much for your reply. I know your search is looking back to Alexander, a truly fascinating story in itself, but l am so delighted to have found a Bond connection in your friend. To put in context, and you may know some of this via your friend, Percy died in 1938 when my dad was 3. They were all living in Bywell Road, Cleadon at the time. I recall my dad saying Percy’s death was something to do with a heart valve. My dad, Dennis, and his mum, Dora (Dorothea) moved back to Northern Ireland. I have no idea of the circumstances of that move and l have often wondered. I have seemingly happy family photos of my dad as a toddler in England and to move away seemed harsh. It was close to wartime and l think Dora’s father Frank Middleton, a widower, may also have lived in Cleadon with them. My dad, Dennis, passed away in January, age 83 and l have been trying to trace the Bond connection since, knowing so very little of it. I am aware of Percy’s siblings (Hector, Annie and Mona) but not aware of any children other than my dad. I am aware of his father Richard’s siblings William, John and Annie but am missing the baby girl. I didn’t know Margaret’s surname was Bell until now, thank you. Can l ask, on Jane Skelton, did she remarry as Jane Johnston? On the Bonds, l have lots of family photos, but l am unsure of who some people are. If your friend is interested, or can recall some people, bearing in mind age gap to Percy, l would gladly send copies. One is of Percy’s grave at his death, strewn with flowers but l don’t know where the Cemetery is. If your friend recalls Percy at all, pls tell them, my dad was the image of Percy. Same big dark curly hair piled high on his head. Thanks again for all of this. Liz
